Cade Lucas
A Hoppers Crossing man is one of nine people arrested for their role in an alleged organised crime syndicate targeting the retail logistics chain.
Police arrested and charged members of the syndicate over the course of several months since beginning their investigation when two men were allegedly caught stealing $240,000 worth of wine in Truganina in June.
The two men allegedly stole a B-Double truck trailer carrying the wine on June 9 and the next day were discovered by police allegedly moving the stolen goods onto another stolen tow truck in Sunshine.
Further investigation revealed a syndicate of thieves allegedly breaking into the factories, distribution centres and truck trailers of major retail chains and stealing products to sell at a cheaper price.
“We hope this serves as a reminder to small businesses who are tempted to buy cheaper products from unregistered providers,” said North West Metro Regional Crime Squad acting superintendent Rhonda Brown.
“If the prices are oddly low – then it’s probably too good to be true.”
Among those arrested was the 36 year old man from Hoppers Crossing who was found with almost $10,000 worth of allegedly stolen goods including homewares and electrical goods at his address.
He was charged with theft from motor vehicle, two counts of attempted burglary, three counts of deal with property suspected of being the proceeds of crime, possessing prohibited weapon and handling stolen goods.
He was bailed to appear before Werribee Magistrates’ Court on 29 January 2024.
The men arrested over the theft of wine in June, aged 36 and 43, were charged with a number of offences including theft, theft of motor vehicle and handle stolen goods. The 36-year-old was bailed to appear before Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on 7 December. The 43-year-old had his matter finalised at court.
A 34 year old man from Ringwood East and two men of no fixed address, aged 30 and 31, were also charged.
While investigating the syndicate police also began looking into the receivers of the stolen goods, leading them to execute two warrants in Melbourne’s west.
On September 27 a search of a St Albans business uncovered more than $10,000 worth of stolen vitamins, baby formula, beauty products and imported cigarettes. The 67-year-old female occupant was charged with a range of offences including handling stolen goods, and trafficking heroin and was bailed to appear before Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on 27 February 2024.
On August 25 a search of a North Sunshine property found $35,000 worth of stolen cosmetics, baby formula and medications. A 34-year-old Sunshine man was charged with multiple offences and was bailed to appear before Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on 12 February 2024.
Further arrests are expected.
Anyone with further information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
